Appreciating Family

It's been exactly 3 months since I last blogged and how terrible of me especially seeing the amount of views taken place since I've been away. My dear father had a triple bypass heart surgery in November 2012 and my daughter and I flew over to be with him as soon as we got word from my sister.. Even though I didn't show it, it was defiantely a hard time for me seeing the strongest man in my life so helpless and lifeless. However we were so fortunate that he was in the best hands at Auckland Hospital I.C.U and then Ward 42. Dads recovery at home was so good, he was determined to get well physically and it help tremendously with the help and support of all his children, grandchildren and extended families and friends. It's amazing how messages, thoughts, love and prayers can carry a person through their toughest times of sickness and help with the mending during their healing stages.

I am pleased to say that my father is truly well and on the mend to a healthy person. After the first two weeks of being discharged we started taking him out, by this time he was walking, with assistance and was enjoying getting out and about. We had to make sure he didn't over exert himself. The family was so thrilled that Dad was still with us for the Christmas and New Year, it was what his grandchildren prayed for and it was answered...Ask and you shall receive.

During our time in New Zealand we also had time to catch up with other family and friends. My mothers side of the family had a family reunion organised and so I attended on the day that was scheduled for our family to host, cooking etc. I was pleased to have met my family that I haven't seen for years and haven't also met. My daughter was so happy to have met her grandaunties, granduncles, aunties, uncles and cousins, most of them for the first time. I want to say thank you to my Uncle Teo, Auntie Trudy, my cousins Eli and Martha Cummings for being there to represent our Papa Eli's family, we did so well considering the amount of mouths we had to feed...hehe! We had fun times and don't you think I cook the best chicken curry!

On my fathers side of the family (Katoa-Mairi family), they always have a meet up once a month, with each family hosting the event. So last month January was our families turn and so Dad suggested to take it to a Park and so my sister and I thought of Cornwall Park. We had such an awesome time, playing tag, volleyball and then sharing a massive lunch with each other. I miss these times with family now that we live on the Gold Coast, Australia. But in saying that, I have learnt to make the most of your time, making the effort to spend quality time with family.

#MakingItCount#